Mondays with Preschoolers: Mayhem, Muffins, & Magic

Dr. Deb Zupito

Let’s talk about Mondays, that mythical day where clothes are clean (maybe), school bags are packed (hopefully), and we all wake up ready to take on the week (LOL… just kidding).

When you live in the world of preschoolers, Monday mornings are not just a transition back to routine, they're a full-on celebration of tiny socks, surprise emotions, and deeply held opinions about cereal.

But here’s the thing: buried under the spilled milk, the toothpaste battles, and the “I wanted to wear my dinosaur boots, but I can't find them!” drama, there's something kind of magical going on.

Here’s what Monday really looks like:

• The Wake-Up Parade: One kid stumbles into the kitchen wrapped in a blanket cape, the other is singing about toast in their underwear. The sun isn’t even up yet. But those sleepy snuggles and wild-haired hugs? Worth it.

• Breakfast Debates: Someone wants pancakes. Someone else wants “only the squares from the cereal.” You serve yogurt, and they all suddenly remember how much they love it. Or… they don’t. It changes minute to minute. That's the fun of it. Kinda.

• Getting Dressed (ish): One child is dressed like a firefighter-mermaid. Another insists their pajama shirt is their school shirt now. And honestly? Who made the fashion rules anyway?

• The Goodbyes: You finally get out the door, someone's carrying a stuffed giraffe, another is collecting leaves, and everyone needs one more hug. Just one more. And as you buckle them in, they say, “Mommy, you're the best cooker in the whole galaxy.” Monday = won.

  
  

The Real Truth?

Mondays with preschoolers aren't smooth, polished, or even remotely predictable. But they ARE bursting with joy if we pause long enough to notice it.

That goofy song they made up about waffles? The way they wanted to bring you a pretend cup of coffee “just like you drink in the morning”? The way they waved to their stuffed animal before leaving the house?

These are the good old days. The messy, muffin-crumb, mismatched-socks, magical Mondays.

So next time your preschooler is taking 16 years to put on one shoe while telling you a story about a firetruck and a unicorn, take a breath. You’re not late, you’re right on time for the best moments of your life!!!